- 2025 P & D mintmarks included
- Uncirculated BU Lincoln cents
- Last pennies ever produced
- Affordable at just $6.99
Overview
Is the 2025 Lincoln cent set review worth reading – and the set itself worth buying? Yes, if you want a clean, affordable taste of modern coin collecting for the price of a sandwich. For about seven bucks, you get two uncirculated pennies — one from Philly, one from Denver — in a protective flip. It’s a solid starting point, but know what you’re getting: a dealer-assembled pair, not an official Mint package.
This set solves a simple problem: you want two uncirculated Lincoln cent set examples without hunting through rolls or overpaying for a slabbed coin. It’s really for beginners, gift-givers, or anyone curious about the last year of the Lincoln cent design before the rumored redesign. The “last pennies made” claim is a marketing hook, but it’s not entirely false – the 2025 date marks a transition, whether or not the design actually changes.
Key Features
- Two mint marks, one set. You get a Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) cent. That covers the two main varieties for the year, so you can see how different mints strike the same design.
- Brilliant Uncirculated condition. The coins haven’t been in circulation, which means original mint luster. Expect a shiny surface, though not flawless – BU means no wear, but minor bag marks or contact marks are normal.
- Protective flip included. Each coin comes in a clear 2×2 holder. It’s basic but keeps them from rubbing against each other. You’ll want to upgrade to a better album if you’re storing long-term.
- Affordable entry price. $6.99 for two UNC cents is cheaper than buying from a coin shop or grading company. It’s about the same as a modern roll of cents, but you get the pick of the litter.
- “Last pennies made” angle. Whether or not the design ends here, the 2025 date marks a potential endpoint in Lincoln cent history. Collectors love a transition year, even if the hype outruns the rarity.
Fit for You
- You’re a new coin collector and want a small, cheap start that feels official.
- You need a quick, low-risk gift for a kid who shows interest in coins.
- You’re putting together a date set of Lincoln cents and need the 2025 entry.
- You want to compare the strike quality of Philadelphia vs. Denver without buying two separate lots.
- You’re stocking a classroom or coin club with inexpensive examples for teaching.
- You like the idea of owning part of the “last” series, even if the actual value is modest now.
Uses
Give it as a stocking stuffer for someone who “has everything.” The two-coin set fits in a small envelope and costs less than a fast-food meal. Kids enjoy the shine and the mintmark difference – it’s a tangible history lesson.
Pair it with a simple album to kick off a 2025 penny set vs 2024 comparison. The 2024 cents have a similar shield reverse, so side by side you can see die changes or condition differences. That’s a nice mini-project for a rainy afternoon.
Use the set as a reference point for grading. Because both coins are uncirculated, they help you learn what BU looks like – no wear, full luster. That’s useful for uncirculated Lincoln cent set grading practice.
Experience
The set arrives in a basic cardboard mailer. Inside, the two flips are taped to a card. No frills, no certificate. That’s fine for the price. The coins themselves look shiny out of the package – a typical BU finish with a slight orange-peel texture on the fields. You’ll notice the D cent sometimes has softer details on Lincoln’s hair than the P, which is a known difference from the Denver mint.
One annoyance: the flips are cheap. They feel thin, and the staple can scratch a coin if you’re not careful. You’ll want to replace them with mylar flips if you’re serious about preservation. Also, the seller’s “last pennies made” claim is printed on the card; it’s a little promotional, but you can ignore it.
Handling the coins is straightforward – they’re not fragile like proof coins. You can hold them by the edges or put them in a capsule. After a few weeks, the luster stays, though the copper tones might start to darken if you don’t keep them dry and away from sulfur. No special maintenance needed beyond common sense.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low cost. You get two UNC cents for less than the price of one certified coin. That’s a great deal if you just want the dates.
- Instant variety. Both mint marks in one purchase saves you the hassle of searching separate sellers or buying a whole roll.
- Good teaching tool. The set shows a beginner what an uncirculated coin looks like, without the confusion of circulated grades.
- Compact and ready to give. It comes already in small holders – no extra packaging needed for a gift.
Cons
- Not an official Mint product. This is a dealer-assembled set from bank rolls. The US Mint sells its own uncirculated sets, but those cost more and include all denominations. This is a budget alternative, not a direct competitor.
- Condition varies. Since the seller doesn’t guarantee a specific grading company, you might get coins with light contact marks or spotting. Expect typical BU, not flawless.
- “Last pennies” hype may not age well. If the Mint continues the Lincoln cent design past 2025, the claim becomes empty. Buy it for the coins themselves, not the promise of scarcity.
- No serial number or COA. Resale value is low – the set is a collectible, not an investment. You won’t lose money, but you won’t make any either.
Advantages
What makes this set stand out among similar low-cost options? First, it saves you the trouble of buying two separate coins from different sellers. Many Amazon listings force you to pick one mint or the other. This one gives you both at a lower combined price.
- Price transparency. At $6.99, you know exactly what you’re paying. No hidden shipping or handling fees.
- No need for grading fees. If you just want the BU Lincoln cent set value for a date run, paying for a slab is overkill. This set delivers the raw coin experience.
- Great for beginners. It’s the best uncirculated penny set for beginners because it’s affordable, simple, and gives two different strikes to study.
- Direct comparison opportunity. You can hold the P and D side by side to see mintmark differences and strike quality – something you can’t do with a single coin purchase.
Who Should Buy
- New collectors. This is the perfect starter pack. You’ll learn the basics of the Lincoln cent series without spending more than a few dollars.
- Parents or grandparents. Buy it as a small, meaningful gift that won’t break your budget. Kids love the shiny coins and the idea of “the last pennies.”
- Date-set builders. If you’re assembling a complete set of Lincoln cents, you need the 2025 P and D anyway. This saves you a trip to the bank roll.
- Anyone who shouldn’t buy it: Collectors who need certified, high-grade examples for a registry set. Or someone looking for an investment with a guaranteed return. Skip this and buy a PCGS- or NGC-graded 2025 in MS-67 (if they exist yet) – that’ll cost ten times as much, but it’s a different league.
FAQ
Is the 2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set worth it?
Yes, for the price. You get two uncirculated pennies from both mints for under seven dollars. That’s a fair deal if you want the dates without the hassle of searching rolls or paying for encapsulation.
What does “last pennies made” mean?
The seller is betting that 2025 will be the final year of the current Lincoln cent design before a redesign or possible phase-out. The US Mint hasn’t confirmed that, so treat it as marketing – the coins themselves are still worth collecting.
How does the 2025 set compare to the 2024 set?
The 2025 penny set vs 2024 shows minimal physical difference – both have the shield reverse. The biggest contrast is the date. 2025 may become a key year if production stops, but right now the condition and quality are similar.
Is this a good set for a beginner?
Absolutely. It’s cheap, small, and teaches you the two mint marks and what BU looks like. Pair it with a magnifier and a beginner’s coin book, and you’ve got a proper start.
What about grading – are these coins really BU?
They should be Brilliant Uncirculated – no wear, original luster. But they aren’t professionally graded, so expect minor blemishes typical of uncirculated coins from rolls. For uncirculated Lincoln cent set grading, use them as a rough reference, not a certified standard.
What is the resale value or BU Lincoln cent set value?
Right now, negligible. A raw 2025 penny from a roll is worth face value plus a tiny premium. The set’s value comes from its convenience, not future profit. Hold it for a decade, and if the series ends, you might see a small bump.
Are these coins safe to handle or store?
Yes. They’re copper-plated zinc, like all modern cents. Don’t clean them, keep them dry, and store them in the flips or better holders. They won’t tarnish quickly, but high humidity can cause spots.
Final Verdict
The 2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set is a no-brainer buy for the beginner or the casual collector who wants a quick, cheap entry into the hobby. At $6.99, you get two uncirculated coins that represent a potentially historic year. The catch: they’re raw, non-certified, and the “last pennies” claim is pure speculation. Buy it for the experience, not the investment. If that sounds like you, go ahead and pick one up. You’ll have a fun little set to study, gift, or tuck away as a piece of 2025 history.
2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set vs the Competition in 2026
The 2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set occupies the low end of the uncirculated penny market. For $6.99 you get one coin from Philadelphia and one from Denver, both ungraded and in a simple flip—no fancy packaging, no extra denominations. It’s the cheapest way to grab the final year of the Shield cent design (if that matters to you) and it’s perfectly fine for a casual collector or a kid just starting out. But the trade-offs are real: you don’t get a holder, you don’t get grading, and you don’t get the chance to inspect individual coins before purchase. Compared to bigger sets or rolls, this is the bare minimum, and that’s exactly the point.
| Product | Price Range | Key Strength | Key Weakness | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set (target) | $6.99 | Lowest price for both P & D mintmarks; includes the final Shield cent year | Only two coins; no grading, no album, no guarantee of eye appeal | Beginners on a budget, gift giving, completing a simple year set |
| 2025 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set | $25 – $30 | Complete set of all 2025 circulating coins (P & D for each denomination) in official packaging | Expensive; you’re paying for nickels and dimes you might not care about | Collectors who want a full year set with mint packaging and every coin |
| 2025 Lincoln Cent 50-Coin Roll (BU Roll) | $10 – $15 | Fifty uncirculated cents from one mint; great for cherrypicking or filling rolls | Single mint only; no Denver coin unless you buy two rolls; inconsistent strike quality | Volume buyers, roll collectors, dealers looking for bulk lots |
| 2025 Lincoln Cent Proof Set (US Mint) | $20 – $25 | Stunning mirror finish, single San Francisco cent in official presentation case | Only one cent (no Denver coin); far more expensive; proof finish is different from business strike | Collectors who value sharp detail and display; not for raw BU sets |
2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set vs 2025 United States Mint Uncirculated Coin Set
If you need a whole year’s worth of coins—quarters, nickels, half dollars—the official US Mint set is the obvious choice. It’s twice as many coins (actually more than that, since it includes both P and D for each denomination) and comes in a sturdy case that you can toss in a drawer without worrying about scratches. But the price stings. At four times the cost of the target set, you’re paying for a lot of metal you didn’t ask for. Meanwhile, the 2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set gives you exactly the two pennies and nothing else. If you only care about Lincoln cents, you’ll save roughly $20 and skip the packaging you won’t use. The catch: the US Mint set’s cents are handled with more care during assembly, so they tend to have fewer bag marks. The target set’s coins are pulled straight from mint bags—expect some light contact marks.
2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set vs 2025 Lincoln Cent 50-Coin Roll
Here’s where the beginner faces a real fork in the road. A BU roll from a reputable dealer costs about twice the target set—call it $12 for 50 coins from a single mint. If you’re a kid who wants “one of each” for a folder, the two-coin set is simpler and cheaper. But if you’re looking to study strike quality or maybe find one really sharp coin for a graded submission, the roll gives you fifty chances instead of two. The target set doesn’t even come with a magnifier—you’ll need your own loop if you want to pick the better coin. On the other hand, the roll doesn’t have a Denver coin unless you buy a second roll, which pushes you past $20. So the 2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set wins on convenience and price; the roll wins if you prefer quantity and self-selection.
Is the 2025 Lincoln Cent Set Worth It Compared to the Proof Set?
Not if you care about mirror fields and crisp edges. The Proof Set’s cent is a stunner under a 10x loupe—deep cameo contrast, no bag marks, no handling. But it’s a single San Francisco coin, not a matched P-D pair, and you’ll never mistake it for a business strike. For a collector building an “uncirculated Lincoln cent set” by year, the target set fits the category because it’s BU (brilliant uncirculated) rather than proof. The proof cent belongs in a proof album, not alongside your pocket-change finds. If you’ve already got a 2024 P-D pair and want to add 2025, the $6.99 set makes sense. The proof set costs three times as much and disrupts the consistency of your set. For the price of one proof cent, you could buy two of these target sets and give one away. That’s not nothing.
Choose the 2025 P D Lincoln Cent Set if you’re a beginner on a tight budget, if you just want the last pennies made (whatever that tagline means to you), or if you’re filling a simple Lincoln cent album year by year. It’s the best uncirculated penny set for beginners who don’t want to overthink condition grading—just grab, drop in a pocket page, and move on. Skip it if you want a complete mint set (buy the US Mint Uncirculated Set), if you need bulk for roll hunting (buy a BU roll), or if display quality is your priority (buy the proof set). For everyone else, $6.99 gets you both mintmarks, no hassle, and a straightforward answer to “is 2025 Lincoln cent set worth it”—yes, at that price it is.















